KR102099929B1 - An apparatus for generating aerosols and a method for controlling the apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

According to some embodiments, a case in which a cigarette can be inserted, a cover coupled to the upper portion of the case to be detachable from the case, a cover capable of opening and closing the cigarette insertion hole by sliding along the upper surface of the cover, whether the cigarette insertion hole is opened or closed A control unit for determining whether to open or close the cigarette insertion hole based on the first sensor to be detected and the signal detected by the first sensor, and setting the operation mode of the aerosol generating device to one of ON and OFF modes based on the determination result An aerosol-generating device comprising a.

Description

An apparatus for generating aerosols and a method for controlling the apparatus}

Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of generating an aerosol having a rich flavor by passing an aerosol generated in a vaporizer through a cigarette, and a control method thereof.

Recently, a demand for an aerosol-generating device capable of generating an aerosol in a non-combustion type is increasing, and research on a non-combustion-type aerosol-generating device has been actively conducted in response to this demand.

A typical aerosol-generating device is a portable device, having a size similar to a typical cigarette, and having a button for receiving user input. The operation of the aerosol-generating device may be controlled based on a user input received through a button provided in the aerosol-generating device. Meanwhile, when a user carries the aerosol-generating device in a bag or a pocket, an unwanted operation of the aerosol-generating device may be performed as a button provided in the aerosol-generating device is pressed incorrectly. For example, even when the user does not smoke, the heating operation of the aerosol-generating device may be performed as the button is pressed incorrectly, and thus a safety problem may occur.

In addition, a typical aerosol-generating device maintains an electrical connection between batteries and heaters included in the aerosol-generating device even when a user does not smoke, and waits for a signal received from buttons or sensors provided in the aerosol-generating device. , Unnecessary power consumption may occur.

Accordingly, when a user uses the aerosol-generating device, an additional control method of the aerosol-generating device may be required to prevent occurrence of a safety problem and prevent unnecessary power consumption.

Various embodiments provide an aerosol-generating device and a control method thereof. The technical problem to be achieved by the present disclosure is not limited to the technical problems as described above, and other technical problems may be inferred from the following embodiments.

As a means for solving the above-described technical problem, the aerosol generating device includes a case into which a cigarette can be inserted; A cover coupled to an upper portion of the case to be detachable from the case; A cover capable of opening and closing the cigarette insertion hole by sliding along the upper surface of the cover; A first sensor detecting whether the cigarette insertion hole is opened or closed; And a control unit determining whether to open or close the cigarette insertion hole based on a signal detected by the first sensor, and setting an operation mode of the aerosol generating device to one of an ON mode and an OFF mode based on the determination result. can do.

In addition, the aerosol generating device, the second sensor for detecting whether the cigarette is inserted into the case; A heater disposed in the case and heating the cigarette inserted in the case; A vaporizer configured to receive a liquid composition and is detachably coupled to the case, and to deliver the aerosol generated by heating the liquid composition to the cigarette side while being coupled to the case; A battery supplying power to the control unit, the heater and the vaporizer; And a button for receiving user input.

The control unit sets the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device to the ON mode when it is determined that the cigarette insertion hole is open, and when the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device is set to the ON mode, the control unit controls the battery to the heater. And electrically connecting the battery and the heater and the vaporizer to supply power to the vaporizer, activating the button to receive the user input, and detecting whether the cigarette is inserted in the case. The second sensor can be activated.

According to some embodiments, when the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device is set to the ON mode, the controller controls the heater of the battery so that the heater is preheated to a preset temperature as the user input is received through the activated button. To control the power supply.

According to another embodiment, when the operation mode of the aerosol generating device is set to the ON mode, the controller determines whether the cigarette is inserted into the case based on the signal detected by the activated second sensor , As it is determined that the cigarette is inserted into the case, it is possible to control the power supply to the heater of the battery so that the heater is preheated to a preset temperature.

The control unit sets the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device to the OFF mode when it is determined that the cigarette insertion hole is closed, and the control unit controls the battery and the battery when the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device is set to the OFF mode. The electrical connection between the heater and the vaporizer may be blocked, the user input inputted through the button may be blocked, and a signal detected by the second sensor may be blocked.

Meanwhile, when the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device is set to the OFF mode, the controller activates a booting-related function of the aerosol-generating device, and the boot-related functions include a clock function, a real time clock (RTC) function, and It may include at least one of the interrupt function to wait for the signal detected by the first sensor.

The first sensor may be an on / off switch that generates an on signal when the cover moves to open the cigarette insertion hole, and an off signal when the cover moves to close the cigarette insertion hole, The second sensor is a hall sensor that detects a change in a magnetic field generated from a metal material contained in the cigarette, a mechanical switch that detects a physical change that occurs as the cigarette is inserted, and an infrared sensor that senses the approach of the cigarette And it may include at least one of an optical sensor for detecting a pattern printed on the surface of the cigarette.

In addition, the method for controlling the aerosol generating device according to another aspect includes: determining whether the cigarette insertion hole is opened or closed based on a signal detected by a first sensor detecting whether the cigarette insertion hole is opened or closed; And setting an operation mode of the aerosol-generating device as one of an ON mode and an OFF mode based on the determination result.

In addition, the computer-readable recording medium according to another aspect may include a recording medium on which one or more programs including instructions for executing the above-described method are recorded.

The present disclosure can provide an aerosol-generating device and a control method thereof. Specifically, the aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure is a case in which a cigarette can be inserted, a cover coupled to the top of the case to be detachable from the case, a cover capable of opening and closing a cigarette insertion hole by sliding along the upper surface of the cover, inserting a cigarette It may include a first sensor and a control unit for detecting whether the hole is opened and closed, and the control unit determines whether the cigarette insertion hole is opened or closed based on the signal detected by the first sensor, and based on the determination result, The operation mode can be set to one of the ON mode and OFF mode.

For example, if it is determined that the cigarette insertion hole is closed, the control unit may set the operation mode of the aerosol generating device to the OFF mode. When the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device is set to the OFF mode, the control unit cuts off the electrical connection between the battery and the heater and vaporizer, blocks the user input input through the button, and blocks the signal detected by the second sensor. , 1) It is possible to prevent an unwanted operation of the aerosol-generating device as the button is pressed incorrectly, and 2) to prevent unnecessary power consumption when the user does not smoke.

In addition, the aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure is configured to receive a user input by being operated by a user, and provides a slideable cover as well as a button, so that an additional control method of the aerosol-generating device may be provided.

1 and 2 are views showing examples in which a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol-generating device.
3 is a view showing an example of a cigarette.
4 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments.
5 is a side view of the aerosol-generating device shown in FIG. 4.
6 is a top view of the aerosol-generating device shown in FIG. 4.
7 is a perspective view showing an operating state of the aerosol-generating device shown in FIG. 4.
8 is a top view of the aerosol-generating device shown in FIG. 7.
9 is a view showing the configuration of an aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments.
10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of controlling an aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments.
11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method of controlling an aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It goes without saying that the following description is only for the purpose of embodying the embodiments and does not limit or limit the scope of the invention. From the detailed description and examples, what can be easily inferred by experts in the art is interpreted as belonging to the scope of rights.

As used herein, terms such as 'consist of' or 'comprises' should not be construed to include all of the various components, or various steps described in the specification, and some components or some of them. It should be construed that they may not be included or may further include additional components or steps.

In addition, terms including an ordinal number such as 'first' or 'second' used in the present specification may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.

The terminology used in the present specification has selected general terms that are currently widely used as possible while considering functions in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person skilled in the art or the appearance of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, some terms are arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the applicable invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the contents of the present invention, not simply the names of the terms.

Throughout the specification, the "aerosol-generating device" may be a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-generating material to create an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user's lungs through the user's mouth.

The present embodiments are related to the aerosol generating device and a control method thereof, and detailed descriptions of matters well known to those skilled in the art to which the following embodiments pertain will be omitted.

1 and 2 are views showing examples in which a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

1 and 2, the aerosol-generating device 10000 includes a battery 11000, a control unit 12000, a heater 13000, and a vaporizer 14000. In addition, a cigarette 20,000 may be inserted into the interior space of the aerosol-generating device 10000.

In the aerosol-generating device 10000 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, only components related to the present embodiment are illustrated. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment may understand that other general-purpose components in addition to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be further included in the aerosol-generating device 10000. .

In addition, although FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show that the heater 13000 is included in the aerosol-generating device 10000, the heater 13000 may be omitted if necessary.

In FIG. 1, a battery 11000, a control unit 12000, a vaporizer 14000, and a heater 13000 are shown in a row. In addition, FIG. 2 shows that the vaporizer 14000 and the heater 13000 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 10000 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 or 2. In other words, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 10000, the arrangement of the battery 11000, the control unit 12000, the vaporizer 14000, and the heater 13000 may be changed.

When the cigarette 20000 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10000, the aerosol-generating device 10000 operates the vaporizer 14000 to generate an aerosol from the vaporizer 14000. The aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14000 passes through the cigarette 20,000 and is delivered to the user. The description of the vaporizer 14000 will be described in more detail below.

The battery 11000 supplies power used to operate the aerosol-generating device 10000. For example, the battery 11000 may supply power so that the heater 13000 or the vaporizer 14000 may be heated, and may supply power necessary for the control unit 12000 to operate. In addition, the battery 11000 may supply power required for the display, sensor, motor, and the like installed in the aerosol generating device 10000 to operate.

The control unit 12000 generally controls the operation of the aerosol-generating device 10000. Specifically, the controller 12000 controls the operation of the battery 11000, the heater 13000, and the vaporizer 14000, as well as other components included in the aerosol-generating device 10000. In addition, the control unit 12000 may determine the state of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device 10000 to determine whether the aerosol-generating device 10000 is in an operable state.

The control unit 12000 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which programs executable on the microprocessor are stored. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains may understand that it may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The heater 13000 may be heated by electric power supplied from the battery 11000. For example, when the cigarette is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10000, the heater 13000 may be located inside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 13000 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette.

The heater 13000 may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the heater 13000 includes an electrically conductive track, and as the current flows through the electrically conductive track, the heater 13000 may be heated. However, the heater 13000 is not limited to the above-described example, and may be applied without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol-generating device 10000, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 13000 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13000 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating method, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by an induction heating heater.

1 and 2, the heater 13000 is illustrated as being disposed outside the cigarette 20000, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 13000 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and the inside or outside of the cigarette 20000 may be changed depending on the shape of the heating element. It can be heated.

In addition, a plurality of heaters 13000 may be disposed in the aerosol-generating device 10000. At this time, the plurality of heaters 13000 may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 20000, or may be disposed outside the cigarette 20000. In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 13000 may be disposed to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 20000, and the rest may be disposed outside the cigarette 20000. In addition, the shape of the heater 13000 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and may be manufactured in various shapes.

The vaporizer 14000 may generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to a user through a cigarette 20,000. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14000 may move along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 10000, and the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14000 passes through the cigarette and is delivered to the user. It can be configured to be.

For example, vaporizer 14000 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid reservoir, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid reservoir, liquid delivery means and heating elements may be included in the aerosol-generating device 10000 as independent modules.

The liquid storage unit may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachable from the vaporizer 14000, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14000.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, flavoring agents, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. The fragrance may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor ingredients, and the like, but is not limited thereto. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid composition may include aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery means can deliver the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, or a ceramic heater, but is not limited thereto. Further, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element can be heated by a current supply and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, aerosols can be produced.

For example, the vaporizer 14000 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10000 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11000, the control unit 12000, and the heater 13000. For example, the aerosol generating device 10000 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol-generating device 10000 may include at least one sensor (puff detection sensor, temperature detection sensor, cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol-generating device 10000 may be manufactured in a structure in which external air may be introduced or internal gas may be discharged even when the cigarette 20,000 is inserted.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol-generating device 10000 may constitute a system with separate cradles. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11000 of the aerosol-generating device 10000. Alternatively, the heater 13000 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol-generating device 10000 are combined.

The cigarette 20000 may be similar to a general combustion type cigarette. For example, the cigarette 20000 may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating material and a second portion including a filter. Alternatively, an aerosol-generating material may also be included in the second portion of the cigarette 20000. For example, an aerosol-generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first portion may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10000, and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10000, or a portion of the first portion and the second portion may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol while the second part is in the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing outside air through the first portion, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion and is delivered to the user's mouth.

As an example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol-generating device 10000. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage and / or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 10000 may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, and the like can be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air may be introduced into the interior of the cigarette 20000 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 20000.

Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 20000 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

3 is a view showing an example of a cigarette.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cigarette 20000 includes a cigarette rod 21000 and a filter rod 22000. The first portion described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a cigarette rod 21000, and the second portion includes a filter rod 22000.

Although the filter rod 22000 is illustrated in FIG. 3 as a single segment, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22000 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22000 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol. In addition, if necessary, the filter rod 22000 may further include at least one segment that performs other functions.

The cigarette 20000 may be packaged by at least one wrapper 24000. The wrapper 24000 may have at least one hole through which external air flows or internal gas flows out. As an example, cigarette 20000 may be packaged by one wrapper 24000. As another example, the cigarette 20000 may be packaged overlapping by two or more wrappers 24000. For example, the cigarette rod 21000 may be packaged by the first wrapper, and the filter rod 22000 may be packaged by the second wrapper. Then, the cigarette rod 21000 and the filter rod 22000 packaged by individual wrappers are combined, and the entire cigarette 20000 can be repackaged by the third wrapper. If each of the cigarette rod 21000 or the filter rod 22000 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be packaged by a separate wrapper. In addition, the entire cigarette 20000 in which the segments packaged by the individual wrappers are combined may be repackaged by another wrapper.

Cigarette rod 21000 contains aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may include, but is not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod 21000 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or moisturizer may be added to the tobacco rod 21000 by spraying the tobacco rod 21000.

The cigarette rod 21000 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21000 may be made of a sheet, or may be made of strands. In addition, the tobacco rod 21000 may be made of cut tobacco cut into cuts. Further, the tobacco rod 21000 may be surrounded by a heat conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the cigarette rod 21000 may improve heat conductivity applied to the cigarette rod by evenly distributing heat transferred to the cigarette rod 21000, thereby improving cigarette taste. . In addition, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21000 may function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, the cigarette rod 21000 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat conducting material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22000 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 22000 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22000 may be a cylindrical type rod or a tube type rod including a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 22000 may be a recess type rod. If the filter rod 22000 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The filter rod 22000 may be manufactured to produce flavor. As an example, the flavourant may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22000, or a separate fiber coated with the flavourant may be inserted into the filter rod 22000.

In addition, the filter rod 22000 may include at least one capsule 23000. Here, the capsule 23000 may perform a function of generating flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 32400 may be a structure in which a content liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 32400 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

If the filter rod 22000 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be made of a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment may be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter with a plurality of perforations. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above-described example, and may be applied without limitation as long as the aerosol can perform a cooling function.

Meanwhile, although not illustrated in FIG. 3, the cigarette 20000 according to an embodiment may further include a shear filter. The shear filter is located on one side of the tobacco rod 21000 opposite the filter rod 22000. The shear filter can prevent the tobacco rod 21000 from escaping to the outside, and can prevent the liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod 21000 from flowing into the aerosol-generating device (10000 in FIGS. 1 and 2) during smoking. have.

4 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, FIG. 5 is a side view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a top view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an operating state of the aerosol-generating device shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 8 is a top view of the aerosol-generating device shown in FIG. 7. The aerosol generating device 5 of FIGS. 4 to 8 may be an example of the aerosol generating device 10000 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

The aerosol-generating device 5 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 includes a case 20 into which the cigarette 7 can be inserted. The cigarette 7 may correspond to the cigarette 20000 of FIGS. 1 to 3. Therefore, redundant description is omitted.

The cover 10 is coupled to the upper portion of the case 20. The cover 10 is coupled to be detachable from the case 20. A cover 30 is installed on the upper surface of the cover 10 to slide. However, the structure of the aerosol-generating device 5 illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8 is only an example, and is not limited thereto. For example, the case 20 and the cover 10 may be an integral structure coupled to each other so as not to be removable.

A rail 16 extending along the sliding direction of the cover 30 and a cigarette insertion hole 18 into which the cigarette 7 is inserted are installed on the upper surface of the cover 10. The rail 16 may be opened to connect the exterior and interior of the cover 10.

When the cover 30 moves to the position shown in FIG. 8 along the rail 16 formed on the upper surface of the cover 10, the cigarette insertion hole 18 is exposed to the outside, so the cigarette 7 is inserted into the cigarette insertion hole 18 Can be inserted in.

The manner in which the cover 30 is coupled to the cover 10 is not limited by the configuration of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, for example, by being coupled to the cover 10 in a hinged manner The cover 30 can open or close the cigarette insertion hole 18.

Various preparation operations may be performed in connection with the operation of opening the cigarette insertion hole 18 by sliding the cover 30 along the upper surface of the cover 10. For example, as soon as the cigarette insertion hole 18 is opened by the cover 30, an operation mode change of the aerosol generating device 5, a preliminary heating operation of the heaters in the interior, or an operation for recognizing the user may be performed. . Hereinafter, a control method of the aerosol generating device 5 linked to the operation of opening the cigarette insertion hole 18 by sliding the cover 30 along the upper surface of the cover 10 with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 will be described in detail. something to do.

On the other hand, the outside of the case 20 of the aerosol generating device 5, a button (button, 28) that can be operated by the user, and aerosol generating device 5 by emitting light by selecting one of a variety of predetermined colors (5) ) An LED (light-emitting diode) 29, which is an example of an indicator indicating the internal operating state, is installed.

The control unit mounted inside the aerosol-generating device 5 may display the 'normal operating state' based on conditions such as normal operation of the heater and / or sufficient remaining state of the battery by emitting the LED 29.

When the user performs the operation of pressing the button 28, the LED 29 emits light, so that the user can check the remaining amount of the charged electricity in the battery from the emission color of the LED 29. For example, when the LED 29 emits green light, it means that the charged electricity amount of the battery is sufficient, and when the LED 29 emits red light, it may mean that the charged electricity amount of the battery is insufficient. have.

Different predetermined actions may be performed depending on the length of time the user presses the button 28. For example, when the button 28 is pressed and operated for a predetermined time (referred to as a 'second press time') by the user pressing and holding the button 28, the reset (initialization setting) operation of the aerosol-generating device 5 is initiated. Can be implemented. In addition, a preliminary heating operation of the aerosol-generating device 5 may be performed when the user presses the button 28 and the button 28 is pressed for a predetermined time (referred to as a 'first press time').

9 is a view showing the configuration of an aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol-generating device 5 includes a vaporizer 40 and a heater 52 in addition to the cover 10, case 20, button 28 and cover 30 shown in FIGS. 4 to 8. ), A battery 60, a first sensor 61, a second sensor 62 and a control unit 70 may be further included.

On the other hand, in the aerosol generating device 5 shown in FIG. 9, only the components related to the present embodiment are shown. Therefore, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIG. 9 may be further included in the aerosol-generating device 5. For example, the aerosol-generating device 5 may further include a memory (not shown).

The memory is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol-generating device 5, for example, the memory can store data processed and data to be processed in the aerosol-generating device 5. In addition, the memory may store applications, drivers, etc. to be driven by the aerosol-generating device 5.

Memory includes random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), CD-ROM, blue Ray or other optical disk storage, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), or flash memory, and may further include other external storage devices that can be accessed by the aerosol generating device 5. have.

The first sensor 61 may be a sensor that detects whether the cigarette insertion hole 18 is opened or closed. For example, the first sensor 61 generates an ON signal when the cover 30 moves to open the cigarette insertion hole 18, and the cover 30 moves to close the cigarette insertion hole 18. In this case, it may be an on / off switch that generates an off signal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first sensor 61 may be any suitable sensor for detecting sliding movement of the cover 30.

The second sensor 62 may be a sensor that detects whether the cigarette 7 is inserted into the case 20. For example, the second sensor 62 is a hall sensor that detects a change in the magnetic field generated from the metal material contained in the cigarette 7, and a mechanical switch that detects a physical change that occurs as the cigarette 7 is inserted , It may include at least one of an infrared sensor for detecting the approach of the cigarette (7) and an optical sensor for detecting a pattern printed on the surface of the cigarette (7). However, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and the second sensor 62 may be any suitable sensor for detecting whether the cigarette 7 is inserted into the case 20.

In FIG. 9, the first sensor 61 is disposed under the cover 30, and the second sensor 62 is illustrated as being disposed under the heater 52 inside the case 20. The sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 may be disposed at any suitable place inside the case 20.

The heater 52 may be a heater that is disposed in the case 20 and heats the cigarette 7 inserted into the case 20. The heater 52 may correspond to the heater 13000 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The heater 52 is disposed inside the case 20 on the upper side of the support tube, and may be disposed to surround at least a part of the side of the cigarette 7 inserted into the case 20. The heater 52 may be manufactured in a film shape having an electrical resistive pattern capable of generating heat when electricity is applied from the outside. The heater 52 may include, for example, a substrate including a material such as polyimide, and an electrical resistive pattern disposed along the surface of the substrate.

The heater 52 is arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the heat transfer tube by winding, for example, a cylindrical shape or a semi-cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the heat transfer pipe. The 'cylindrical shape' and the 'semi-cylindrical shape' are not necessarily limited to the case where the cross-sectional shape of the heater 52 is a circle or a semicircle, but also includes a case of a circular arc shape close to or near a circle.

The vaporizer 40 is configured to receive the liquid composition and is detachably coupled to the case 20, and refers to a configuration that delivers the aerosol generated by heating the liquid composition to the cigarette 7 in a state coupled to the case 20 can do. The vaporizer 40 may correspond to the vaporizer 14000 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Redundant explanation is omitted.

The battery 60 may supply power used to operate the aerosol-generating device 5. For example, the battery 60 may supply power to the control unit 70, the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40. In addition, the battery 60 may supply power required for the display, sensor, motor, and the like installed in the aerosol generating device 5 to operate. The battery 60 may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the battery 60 may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or the like. The battery 60 may correspond to the battery 11000 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Redundant explanation is omitted.

The control unit 70 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which programs executable on the microprocessor are stored. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains may understand that it may be implemented in other types of hardware. For example, the processor may be an MCU, but is not limited thereto. The control unit 70 may correspond to the control unit 12000 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Redundant explanation is omitted.

The control unit 70 may be implemented by, for example, a rigid circuit board, a flexible circuit board, or a combination of a plurality of circuit boards. The control unit 70 may also be implemented with a semiconductor chip mounted on a circuit board or software embedded in the semiconductor chip and executable. For example, the control unit 70 may be divided into two or more circuit boards, and at least a portion of the control board 70 may be implemented with one circuit board made of a flexible material.

The control unit 70 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 5. For example, the control unit 70 may control the operation of the vaporizer 40, the heater 52, and the battery 60, and may control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 5 as well. . The control unit 70 may control power supplied by the battery 60, a heating element included in the vaporizer 40, and a temperature of the heater 52. The control unit 70 may determine the state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 5 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 5 is in an operable state.

Specifically, the control unit 70 determines whether the cigarette insertion hole 18 is opened or closed based on the signal detected by the first sensor 61, and determines the operation mode of the aerosol generating device 5 based on the determination result. It can be set to either ON mode or OFF mode.

For example, when determining that the cigarette insertion hole 18 is open, the control unit 70 may set the operation mode of the aerosol generating device 5 to the ON mode. When the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 5 is in the ON mode, the control unit 70 allows the battery 60 to supply power to the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40 so that the battery 60 and the heater 52 and It is possible to activate the second sensor 62 to electrically connect the vaporizer 40, activate the button 28 to receive user input, and detect whether the cigarette 7 is inserted in the case 20. have.

In addition, when the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 5 is the ON mode, the control unit 70 may activate a communication function, such as the Bluetooth function of the aerosol-generating device 5, and the aerosol-generating device 5 Various functions necessary for the operation of can be activated.

As the battery 60 and the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40 are electrically connected, the control unit 70 controls the battery 60 to supply power to at least one of the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40 can do. Meanwhile, that the button 28 or the second sensor 62 is activated may mean that the signal input from the button 28 or the second sensor 62 is not blocked. For example, as the button 28 or the second sensor 62 is activated, an interrupt function waiting for a signal input from the button 28 or the second sensor 62 may be activated.

According to some embodiments, when the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 5 is in the ON mode, the control unit 70 causes the heater 52 to warm up to a preset temperature as user input is received through the activated button 28. The power supply to the heater 52 of the battery 60 may be controlled.

In addition, when the operation mode of the aerosol generating device 5 is the ON mode, the control unit 70 determines whether the cigarette 7 is inserted into the case 20 based on the signal detected by the activated second sensor 62. Whether it is determined, and the cigarette 7 is inserted into the case 20, it is possible to control the power supply to the heater 52 of the battery 60 so that the heater 52 is preheated to a predetermined temperature.

When the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 5 is in the ON mode, it means that the cigarette insertion hole 18 is open, and the user is expected to insert the cigarette 7 into the cigarette insertion hole 18 to smoke. Can be. The control unit 70 receives the user input through the button 28 activated when the operation mode of the aerosol generating device 5 is in the ON mode or a signal detected by the second sensor 62 ( 5) may perform a preliminary heating operation of the heater 52 included.

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, when the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 5 is set to the ON mode (that is, it is determined that the cigarette insertion hole 18 is open), the control unit 70 controls the activated button ( It is also possible to perform a preliminary heating operation of the heater 52 without waiting for a user input through 28 or a signal sensed by the activated second sensor 62, and is not limited to the previous example. Preliminary heating operation of the heater 52 as soon as the control 70 detects that the cigarette insertion hole 18 is open, without waiting for a user input through the button 28 or a signal detected by the second sensor 62 In the case of performing, the waiting time for the user to smoke using the aerosol generating device 5 may be minimized.

When determining that the cigarette insertion hole 18 is closed, the control unit 70 may set the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 5 to the OFF mode. When the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 5 is in the OFF mode, the control unit 70 cuts off the electrical connection between the battery 60 and the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40, and is input through the button 28. The user input is blocked, and a signal sensed by the second sensor 62 can be blocked.

The electrical connection between the battery 60 and the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40 is blocked, the user input input through the button 28 is blocked, and the signal detected by the second sensor 62 is blocked When the button 28 is pressed incorrectly, unwanted operation of the aerosol-generating device is prevented, and unnecessary power consumption when the user does not smoke can be prevented.

In addition, when the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 5 is in the OFF mode, the control unit 70 may deactivate a communication function, such as the Bluetooth function of the aerosol-generating device 5, and the user may turn off the aerosol-generating device 5. You can disable unnecessary features if you don't smoke.

On the other hand, even when the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 5 is in the OFF mode, a boot-related function of the aerosol-generating device 5 may be activated. The boot-related function may include at least one of a clock function, a real time clock (RTC) function, and an interrupt function waiting for a signal detected by the first sensor 61. Even when the aerosol-generating device 5 is in an OFF mode, the boot-related function of the aerosol-generating device 5 is activated, so if the user does not smoke, the user wants to smoke while minimizing unnecessary power consumption. The aerosol-generating device 5 can be booted smoothly.

10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of controlling an aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 10, a method of controlling an aerosol-generating device includes steps that are time-seriesly processed by the aerosol-generating device 10000 or the aerosol-generating device 5 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9. Therefore, it is understood that the contents described above with respect to the aerosol-generating device 10000 or the aerosol-generating device 5 of FIGS. 1 to 9 are applied to the method of controlling the aerosol-generating device of FIG. You can.

In step 1010, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 is based on the signal detected by the first sensor 61 detecting whether the cigarette insertion hole 18 is opened or closed, the cigarette insertion hole 18 It can be determined whether the opening and closing.

In step 1020, the aerosol-generating device 10000 or the aerosol-generating device 5 may set the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 5 to one of ON and OFF modes based on the determination result. Hereinafter, a method of controlling the aerosol-generating device will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 11.

11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method of controlling an aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 11, a method of controlling an aerosol-generating device includes steps processed in time series in the aerosol-generating device 10000 or the aerosol-generating device 5 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9. Accordingly, it is understood that the contents described above with respect to the aerosol-generating device 10000 or the aerosol-generating device 5 of FIGS. 1 to 9 are applied to a method of controlling the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 11 even though it is omitted below. You can.

In step 1110, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 opens or closes the cigarette insertion hole 18 based on the signal detected by the first sensor 61 detecting whether the cigarette insertion hole is opened or closed. Can judge.

In step 1120, when the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 determines that the cigarette insertion hole 18 is opened as a result of determination, performs step 1130, and when it is determined that the cigarette insertion hole 18 is closed Step 1135 may be performed.

In step 1130, the aerosol-generating device 10000 or the aerosol-generating device 5 may set the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 10000 or the aerosol-generating device 5 to an ON mode. As the operation mode of the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 is set to the ON mode, the battery 60 and the heater so that the battery 60 can supply power to the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40 52 and the vaporizer 40 is electrically connected, the button 28 is activated to receive user input, the second sensor 62 to detect whether the cigarette 7 is inserted into the case 20 Can be activated.

The aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 through the button 28, the user input or the aerosol generating device 10000 in the operating mode is set to the ON mode When receiving the signal sensed by the sensor 62, the aerosol-generating device 10000 or the aerosol-generating device 5 may perform step 1140. In step 1140, the aerosol-generating device 10000 or the aerosol-generating device 5 may control power supply to the heater 52 of the battery 60 so that the heater 52 is preheated to a predetermined temperature.

Meanwhile, in step 1135, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 may set the operation mode of the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 to the OFF mode. As the operation mode of the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 is set to the OFF mode, the electrical connection between the battery 60 and the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40 is blocked, and the button 28 The user input input through is blocked, and a signal sensed by the second sensor 62 may be blocked.

When the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 10000 or the aerosol-generating device 5 is set to the OFF mode, even if a signal detected by the user sensor or the second sensor 62 received through the button 28 is generated, step 1145 As in, the aerosol-generating device 10000 or the aerosol-generating device 5 may block a user input received through the button 28 or a signal detected by the second sensor 62. Accordingly, unwanted operation of the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 is prevented as the button 28 is pressed incorrectly, and unnecessary power consumption when the user does not smoke is prevented. Can be.

Meanwhile, the method of controlling the aerosol-generating device of FIGS. 10 and 11 may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium in which one or more programs including instructions for executing the method are recorded. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs, and DVDs, and floptical disks. And hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions such as magneto-optical media, and ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc., as well as machine language codes made by a compiler.

Those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that it may be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics of the above-described substrate. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered in terms of explanation, not limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent range should be interpreted as being included in the present invention.

Claims (10)

In the aerosol generating device including a case that can be inserted cigarette and a control unit for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device,
The case,
A cover coupled to the upper portion of the case to be detachable from the case;
Located on the top surface of the cover, the cover for opening and closing the cigarette insertion hole into which the cigarette is inserted;
A sensor for detecting whether the cigarette insertion hole is opened or closed; And
A button for receiving user input as it is operated by the user; Including,
The control unit,
Control the operation of the aerosol generating device based on the signal by the sensor and the button,
When it is determined that the cigarette insertion hole is open, a preliminary heating operation of the aerosol-generating device is performed as the button is pressed for a first pressing time,
If it is determined that the cigarette insertion hole is closed, the aerosol generating device controls to prevent the preliminary heating operation of the aerosol generating device from being performed even when the button is pressed for a first pressing time. According to claim 1,
The aerosol generating device,
A heater disposed in the case and heating the cigarette inserted in the case; And
Further comprising a battery for supplying power to the control unit and the heater,
The control unit blocks the power supply from the battery to the heater when it is determined that the cigarette insertion hole is closed, an aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The cover is sliding relative to the top surface of the cover, or is hinged to the cover, characterized in that the opening or closing the cigarette insertion hole, aerosol generating device. According to claim 2,
The control unit performs the preliminary heating operation by electrically connecting the battery and the heater so that the battery can supply power to the heater. According to claim 3,
The control unit performs a reset operation of the aerosol-generating device as the button is pressed for a second pressing time, the aerosol-generating device. According to claim 1,
The sensor generates an aerosol, an on / off sensor that generates a first signal when the cover moves to open the cigarette insertion hole, and a second signal when the cover moves to close the cigarette insertion hole. Device. According to claim 1,
The sensor is disposed under the cover, aerosol generating device. According to claim 2,
The heater comprises a plate-shaped heating element for heating the interior of the cigarette inserted in the case, aerosol generating device. A method for controlling an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Determining whether a cigarette insertion hole is opened or closed by a sensor included in the aerosol generating device; And
And if the user determines that the cigarette insertion hole is closed, controlling the aerosol-generating device not to be heated even if a user input is received. A computer-readable recording medium on which one or more programs including instructions for executing the method of claim 9 are recorded.

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